JOB SUMMARY: The Senior Project & Account Manager is responsible for serving as the primary relationship manager and trusted advisor for a portfolio of strategic client accounts within 100 miles of Decatur, IL. This individual will lead the successful execution of capital projects while driving organic revenue growth by expanding existing relationships, identifying new opportunities, and establishing connections with additional stakeholders across client organizations.
The ideal candidate possesses significant experience with successful capital projects in the corn milling, soy processing, food and beverage manufacturing, or related process industries. They must have a proven track record of growing client accounts through exceptional service delivery, business development, and strategic relationship management. This role requires a unique combination of technical project execution expertise, commercial acumen, and client-facing leadership.
JOB RELATIONSHIP: Reports to the President/CEO
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Account Management & Revenue Growth (50%)
- Portfolio Strategy: Serve as the primary point of contact and trusted advisor for regional client accounts, aligning company solutions with client long-term capital investment plans.
- Account Expansion: Actively grow account revenue by identifying new project opportunities, cross-selling technical services, and securing repeat capital expenditure business.
- Relationship Building: Maintain strong relationships with existing key stakeholders in operations and executive suite while actively tracking and cultivating new decision-maker relationships across client plant operations, engineering, and procurement teams.
- Commercial Proposals: Lead the development of client proposals, engineering estimates, scope definitions, and contract negotiations to secure new project scope.
Capital Project Execution (50%)
- Full Lifecycle Oversight: Direct the execution of industrial capital projects within corn milling, soy processing, or food & beverage facilities, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to spec.
- Project Governance: Oversee project scheduling, cost control, risk management, scope management, procurement, and site construction/commissioning activities.
- Cross-Functional Leadership: Coordinate internal discipline engineers, project controls, procurement teams, and external contractors to ensure alignment with client project standards and safety protocols.
- Client Reporting: Provide progress reporting including earned value reporting and risk assessments to client leadership on a regular cadence.
QUALIFICATIONS:
· Minimum 8–10+ years of progressive experience in capital project management within corn wet/dry milling, soy processing/crushing, or food & beverage manufacturing facilities.
· Demonstrated track record of managing key accounts and measurably increasing portfolio
· Deep understanding of industrial processing systems, capital equipment installation, plant utility integrations, and regulatory/hygienic standards relevant to food and Ag-processing operations.
· PMP certification or professional engineering (PE) license preferred. Demonstrated mastery of project controls, earned value management, and contract administration
· Exceptional interpersonal, presentation, and commercial negotiation skills with the ability to influence both plant-level operations teams and C-suite executives.
· Willingness to travel regionally as required to maintain close physical presence at client manufacturing sites.
CORE COMPETENCIES:
- Capital Project Management
- Strategic Account Planning & Revenue Growth Strategy
- Market Intelligence and Competitive Analysis
- Experience in Agricultural commodities processing (corn & Soyabean) and/or food and beverage manufacturing industries
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
- Base Salary, Commissions and Annual Performance Bonus
- Comprehensive Benefits Medical, dental, vision, Disability, life insurance, Prescription drug plan
- 401(k) with company matching
- Tuition Reimbursement and Student Loan Assistance
- Company paid Training & Development